MLB Player News

The Cubs optioned Wingenter to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, Andy Martinez of Marquee Sports Network reports.

Wingenter threw 34 pitches over two scoreless innings in Monday's win over the Athletics, so he probably wasn't going to be available for a day or two. Daniel Palencia is taking his spot on the roster and in the bullpen.

Sanchez (shoulder) threw a 20-pitch live batting practice session last Friday, MLB.com reports.

Sanchez has thrown multiple live sessions since landing on the injured list June 2 with right shoulder inflammation, but given his long history of shoulder-related problems, the Marlins don't seem to be preparing him for a return in 2024. The right-hander should at least continue his throwing progression over the final two weeks of the season, setting him up for a relatively normal offseason. Sanchez posted a 6.06 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over 35.2 innings across 14 appearances (seven starts) before being deactivated.

Gibaut (forearm) allowed one run on two hits over one inning for Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.

Gibaut commenced a rehab assignment with the Bats and gave up a home run during his one inning of work. He's missed the entire season due to arm and calf issues and is hoping to pitch in the majors before the end of September.

Suarez pitched a perfect inning to earn the save in Monday's 3-1 win over the Astros.

Suarez took a blown save by allowing a game-tying home run Sunday versus the Giants, but he was able to bounce back just a day later. He needed just eight pitches to retire the side in the ninth inning of Monday's win. Suarez is up to 33 saves in 38 chances this year while maintaining a 2.55 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 54:14 K:BB across 60 innings. While two of his blown saves have come over his last four outings, he remains firmly in the closer role.

Nicolas was removed from Monday's game against the Cardinals after facing one batter due to a left side injury, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

The severity of the right-hander's injury is unclear at this time, though skipper Derek Shelton noted after the game that Nicolas is being sent for further evaluation. He'll be labeled day-to-day until more information surfaces.

Lopez (groin) has rejoined the team and is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured list within the next few days, Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Lopez will be eligible to be activated beginning Wednesday, so it appears he'll miss only the minimum after suffering a right groin strain. The right-hander put together a stellar month of August (0.87 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 17 strikeouts and two saves over 10.1 innings) before getting rocked for four runs on four hits in his lone September outing prior to landing on the IL. Lopez should be in the mix for save chances upon his return along with Porter Hodge, who blew a save Saturday against the Rockies.

Mears (forearm) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Jack Stern of Brewer Fanatic reports.

As long as he gets through the session without any hiccups, he could then be cleared for a brief rehab assignment later this week. Mears has been out since late August with right forearm inflammation but appears poised to make it back for the final week or so of the regular season.

Banda (hand) has started to play catch at the Dodgers' spring training complex in Arizona, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Banda is less than a week removed from going on the 15-day injured list with a fractured left hand, so it's a good sign that he's already throwing. The club remains hopeful that he can make it back before the end of the regular season. Banda has been a nice find for the Dodgers this season, although he had struggled lately before going on the IL, allowing seven runs over his last four appearances.

Kelly (shoulder) has joined the Dodgers in Atlanta and will likely be activated from the 15-day injured list during this week's series in Miami, Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times reports.

Kelly made two rehab appearances with Triple-A Oklahoma City, most recently striking out two in a scoreless inning Sunday. He'll rest Monday before likely returning from the IL on Tuesday. Kelly holds a 5.20 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through 27.2 innings this season.

The Diamondbacks recalled McGough from Triple-A Reno on Monday.

McGough last appeared for the big club Aug. 10 against the Phillies, during which he pitched two scoreless innings while allowing one walk. The 34-year-old reliever has a 6.83 ERA and 1.62 WHIP across 29 major-league innings this season, but those numbers are down to a 3.22 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 36.1 frames in Triple-A. McGough will bolster the Diamondbacks' bullpen for the upcoming road series against the Rockies.